Orbital - Chart topping Dance music ends the Saturday of Bearded Theory

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Taking you to another place!!!

(Bearded Theory Festival - Meadow Stage)

Orbital **** The first thing I have to say is, Why are Orbital on the second stage? Because they have one of the biggest crowds of the weekend.  With loads of people not being able to get into the tent to see them, And the atmosphere is electrifying, because Orbital are one of the definitive Dance acts of the last few decades. If you think you don't know this act, trust me, you really do.  Their songs have shaped the soundtrack for numerous generations, making them truly iconic. For me, the problem with a lot of Dance acts is that they don't perform the tracks with a full band. So at times, they always lose me because I find it hard to watch people behind a desk.

Just on occasion, putting their hands in the air with a light show behind them. And ok, Orbital does this, but they are a little more enjoyable than the Dance acts that do this. Maybe  This is because of the strength of their tracks and the fact that the imagery behind them is a little bit more interesting. And yes, the little eye like lights they have on their heads so they can see what they are doing on a stage that is very dark. They start their set with a little help from the late Stephen Hawkins, who provides the spoken word elements of their opening. track 'Where is it going?' Which is very spacey and, of course, Electronic.

They continue on from this with 'Dirty Rat', a track that includes Sleaford Mods, who played earlier that day on the main stage. 'Satan' is one of Orbital's biggest hit singles, reaching No.3 in the UK. singles chart, so it's It was nice to hear this done live. But I have to say my memory of this track is very different from when I hear it these days. I have I have no idea why, and there are moments of it that I remember very well. But for me, I think it is very much of its time. The good thing for me, It makes me have so many memories of nights out with friends. I think this is what Orbital is all about: great memories. Times that you will never forget, and I think that is what I like about them. 

So when they play songs like 'Lush', the high point of the set is a version of 'Halcyon' from the Hackers motion picture soundtrack. You  really realise there is a place in your heart for Orbital, well, you do until they ruin it with 'Spicy' which is their remixes of the Spice Girls. I don't know why they play this rather than their No.3 hit 'The Saint' or maybe 'Omen', or one of their other top ten hits. I actually can't believe 'Omen' didn't get higher in the charts, with it only peaking at No. 46. They end the set in true Orbital style with 'Belfast' and 'Chime', which really work well... in the late hours of a Saturday night. Making Orbital is a really nice way to end the Bearded Theory on Saturday night. And actually, our time at the festival, because we are only there for two days.  Strangely, I think their set I will remember for years to come, so they really did what they were meant to do.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

Orbital - Setlist
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Where is it Going?
Dirty Rat
Satan
Home (Hottest Day On Record Mix)
Oxygène (Are you Alive?)
Lush 3
Impact (The Earth is Burning)
Remind
Halcyon + On + On
Spicy
The New Abnormal
Belfast
Chime

Check Out! the Video for 'Belfast' Below...